As members of the Tabernacle Choir anticipate returning to their musical missionary callings soon, they have been reflecting on how, exactly, they want to go back.
I asked a few Choir friends how they want to go back and here are some of their responses:
I want to be more open and accepting of all the music...try to find the good in [all of] it.
I'd like to learn more names. I [also] think the increased music memorization [directive] is a good move.
I think I will come back with an improved sense of dedication. I think more time spent learning the music, listening to directions and obeying rules will serve to align myself with the intent of the choir mission.
My goal is to return to the choir with much more trust in the Lord. It's like our time here on earth is short, and our time with the choir is short. I hope to go in with much more gratitude and remember what a blessing it is to be a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before the pandemic, I tried to do everything for fear of missing out on an experience. Now I'm going to be more cautious and selective about certain events. It's a marathon, not a sprint... [And having this perspective leads to a] better life balance.
As for me? Well, there's a lot of wisdom in the comments above and I agree with them. I'm particularly excited to memorize more music because of all the benefits that memorization affords (even though I know it'll take more work and outside time to be successful at that). If I wanted to add anything to the list above, I think it'd be along the lines of the social aspect of the Choir experience. I used to attend Choir events wanting to socialize with particular people, sit next to specific people, and spend breaks with certain people. And while I think it's perfectly natural to enjoy spending time with specific people, I want to just let things happen the way they happen and enjoy whatever social experience or opportunity is given to me. God is the master of having things work out just the way they should and I want to be more open to that concept.
Overall, my hope is that all of us, as we return to "normal" life and things we've missed, incorporate new goals and new perspectives into what we do, how we think, and how we interact with others. Doing things differently--being different--is the essence of change. And change, particularly the kind that is carefully considered and is borne out of a desire to become more like Christ, will help us become are best selves.
And who doesn't want to be their best?
Until next time, God be with you.
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ReplyDeleteBrother Pitt,
ReplyDeleteYou have responded to me once and thank you very much for sharing your Tabernacle Choir experience. I have enjoyed reading your insights ever since I discovered your blogspot almost 2 years ago. The next time I read your insights, I will officially be a missionary.
I wished and prayed a lot that I would have the opportunity to see and hear the choir in person in a Music & The Spoken Word broadcast ,like I did weekly for over a year, once more before I left for my mission, but the Lord has need of me somewhere else. I will hopefully be outside the Tabernacle on 8/26, as that's my last week in Salt Lake before I move to Chicago. Even just hearing the vibrations of the building is enough for me. I will continue to pray for you and the choir and I hope that you have a wonderful experience as the choir makes its return. Thanks again for goodness.
Faithfully yours,
Quirino San Juan
(Edited version of my previous response)
ReplyDeleteBrother Pitt,
You have responded to me once before and thank you very much for sharing your Tabernacle Choir experiences. I have enjoyed reading your insights ever since I discovered your blogspot almost 2 years ago, but the next time I read your insights, I will officially be a missionary.
For a long time, I wished and prayed a lot that I would have the opportunity to see and hear the choir in person in a Music & The Spoken Word broadcast, like I did for more than a year, once more before I left for my mission, but the Lord has need of me somewhere else. I will hopefully be outside the Tabernacle on 8/26, as that's my last week in Salt Lake before I move to Chicago. Even just hearing the vibrations of the building is enough for me. I will continue to pray for you and the choir and I hope that you have a wonderful experience as the choir makes its return. Thanks again for your goodness.
Faithfully yours,
Quirino San Juan
Hello Quirino. Thank you so much for not only following my blog, but being such a dedicated fan of The Tabernacle Choir! Your support and love of our music means a lot. I'm sad that you won't get to see our broadcasts in person, but I'm really happy that you've decided to serve a mission. Perhaps you'll be able to share some music of the Tabernacle Choir with those you share the gospel with. I'll be praying you receive those opportunities as you and I both know how powerful this music can be. God be with you--and I hope to meet you someday after your mission when I'm sure you'll return to the Tabernacle to hear us sing. Take care!
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